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Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) 

N0805

Campus Availability

Study Mode

Study Level

Duration

Intakes Show intake calendar

Hawthorn

Part-time (day & evening), Part-time (evening)

Postgraduate

2 years part-time

Feb

The Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) is a two year part-time program that provides students with training in the theory and practice of counselling. The program offers an alternative to the existing Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology, which is only available to students with a three-year Australian Psychological Society (APS) accredited sequence in psychology.

The Human Services - Counselling program is designed to meet the needs of people currently employed in the human services (e.g. mental health, general health care, education, law and mediation, and the public service). Students are taught a range of counselling skills that can be applied across work settings and client types.

Prospective students may also wish to consider the Graduate Certificate of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) and the Master of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling).
 
Note: This program is not available for study to onshore International students with a student visa.


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The program is designed to provide graduates with:
  • Training in basic counselling theory and skills
  • An introduction to the ethical dilemmas faced and ethical conduct required by counsellors in human services industries
  • Training in the theory and practice of helping people with addiction problems
  • An understanding of the special needs of particular population groups and assessment issues such as suicide and dangerousness risk
  • Advanced counselling skills
  • Training in the specialised skill of trauma, loss and grief counselling


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The Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) is a nested program incorporating the Graduate Certificate of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling)  and Master of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) programs. All three programs are only offered on a part-time basis and, dependent on numbers, day and evening classes will be available. 
 
Current Program Structure: The graduate diploma program consists of 100 credit points, comprising eight units of study. In each year, 50 credit points (25 credit points each semester) constitutes a part-time load. Units of study carry 12.5 credit points each.
 
Pre-2010: The graduate diploma program consisted of 100 credit points, comprising seven units of study. In each year, 50 credit points (25 credit points each semester) constituted a part-time load. Units of study normally carry 12.5 credit points except in the case of  HAYC422 Trauma, Loss and Grief and HAYC423 Supervised Practice, which are 25 credit points each.


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2011 Program Structure
 
Stage 1 – Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma  
Semester 1
HAYC410 Ethical and Social Issues for Counsellors
HAYC411 Foundations of Counselling 1

Stage 2 - Graduate Diploma
Semester 1
Semester 2

2010 Program Structure

Stage 1 – Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma  
Semester 1
HAYC410 Ethical and Social Issues for Counsellors
HAYC411 Foundations of Counselling 1

Stage 2 - Graduate Diploma
Semester 1
Semester 2

Pre-2010 Program Structure 

Stage 1 – Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma  
Semester 2

Stage 2 – Graduate Diploma
Semester 1
Semester 2                      
HAYC422 Trauma, Loss and Grief (25 credit points)
OR
HAYC423 Supervised Practice (25 credit points)
 
Students who have previously completed the Graduate Certificate  and wish to enrol for the Graduate Diploma should consult the program convenor for advice about future unit of study selections and program requirements.


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The program is primarily designed to give students counselling skills to use within the human services industry in which they may already be employed (e.g. health, education, pastoral care, welfare etc). For this reason, selection is biased towards those already working within such industries.


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The Graduate Diploma of Social Science (Human Services - Counselling) seeks to meet the minimum training standards of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), with the exception of the requirement for 50 hours of supervision in counselling practice, which may be completed by students following the program.

PACFA is not currently involved in the formal accreditation of counselling programs, but has plans to do so in the future. When such accreditation procedures are established, this program will be submitted for approval.


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  • Improved skills in listening, understanding and responding
  • Understanding of ethical and professional practices in the workplace
  • Written and oral presentation skills
  • A better understanding of the self and others
  • Ability to prepare and deliver group projects and presentations
  • Development of professional networks


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A minimum three-year degree from an Australian university or approved equivalent. While no specific area of study is required as a prerequisite, preference may be given to those with experience in human services. Selection is based on an interview and the applicant’s suitability for the program as determined.


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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.

Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm


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The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.

For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.


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Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: www.swinburne.edu.au/hed/postgrad/apply

Closing dates for applications for Semester 1 2013 intake:
Round 1: 2 November 2012
Round 2: 11 January 2013

There is no mid-year intake for this program.


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Web: Enquire online

Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)


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